Who This Book Is Not For

This book is
not for people new to PHP. If you're looking to
learn the language, check out these three excellent alternatives:

Learning PHP 5, by David Sklar. This book provides a
gentle introduction to PHP for web designers and other nontechnical
people familiar with HTML and the Web, but not with programming and
databases.

Programming PHP, by Rasmus Lerdorf and Kevin
Tatroe. Co-authored by the creator of PHP, Programming
PHP is aimed at anyone looking to learn PHP. An exhaustive
reference, this book covers all aspects of PHP, from basic concepts
to advanced techniques.

Web Database Applications with PHP and
MySQL, by Hugh E.Williams and David Lane. If
you're comfortable programming but have only just
started using SQL, this book teaches you how to create an entire
database-backed web site. Web Database Applications with
PHP and MySQL works you through the entire process,
including design, coding, and implementation.